Checking device for horses



(No Model.)

F. A. CLARK. CHECKING DEVICE FOR HORSES.

Patented Augf ll, 1896-.

a-w-4 M @214? UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FREDERIO A. CLARK, OF PORTLAND, MAINE.

CHECKING DEVICE FOR HORSES.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 565,430, dated August 11, 1896. Application filed December 23, 1895. Serial No. 573,013. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, FEEDEEIc A. CLARK, a citizen of the United States, residing at Port land, in the county of Cumberland and State of Maine, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Checking Devices for Horses; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

My invention relates to a device for checking horses; and the object of my invention is to produce a checking apparatus which shall apply pressure beneath the chin, which shall be free from any irritating effect on the horse, and which shall be independent of the ordinary driving mechanism.

These and other objects hereinafter specified are carried out by means of my present invention herein shown and described, the characteristics of which will be fully pointed out.

My invention is best shown by a reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein is shown my checking apparatus applied to a horses head.

In the drawing, A represents the bit, B the side strap of the bridle, and O is the overdraw-check.

My checking device consists of a bow or U shaped yoke E, fitting over the nose of the horse and extending down on each side of the face above the bit. This yoke I form of iron or some other rigid and inflexible material covered, preferably, with leather or rubber to give it an easy bearing. The upper or bow end of the yoke is supported by a strap F, by which it is connected with the brow-piece of the bridle. Pressure is applied to the chin by means of a bow or U-shaped lever D, the arms of which are pivoted to the arms of the yoke E. The lower ends of the lever D extend down on each side of the mouth below the bit, and they are connected by means of a strap G, which passes beneath the chin of the horse. The upper or bow end of the lever D is provided with several holes in each arm, into which the two parts of the check rein C may be fastened. By changing the checkreins into different holes the leverage may be adjusted to suit the requirements of different horses.

It will be seen by the construction of my checking device that pressure is applied to the chin-strap G by a pull on the lever D, the yoke E furnishing a fulcrum for said lever and providing for a bearing on the nose of the horse. The check is operated by the lowering of the horses head, by a pull on the reins, or by a voluntary motion on the part of the horse himself. A

The yoke E, being made of rigid material, keeps the lower ends of the lever D spread apart and prevents a lateral pressure on the horses nostrils, and the lower ends of the lever and the yoke, passing, as they do, on each side of the bit and close to it, serve as astop to prevent its being pulled laterally through the mouth when the horse turns his head. When the head is held up, there is nothing about the device to irritate the horse, and it can be easily applied to any bridle without the necessity of having one specially made.

I claim- 1. The herein-described checking device for horses consisting of a U-shaped yoke fitting over the horses nose and extending down on each side of his face above the bit, a U- shaped lever pivoted to said yoke by each of its arms, the lower ends of said arms being connected by a latch passing under the horses chin, a supporting-strap for holding the upper end of said yoke in place and a checkstrap secured tothe upper end of said lever.

2. The herein-described device for checking horses, consisting of a U-shaped yoke fitting over the horses nose and extending down on each side of his face above the bit, a U -shaped lever pivoted to said yoke by each of its arms, the lower ends of said arms passing below the bit and being connected by a latch passing under the horses chin, a supporting-strap for holding the upper end of said yoke in place and a check-strap secured to the upper end ofsaid lever.

3. The herein-described device for checking per end of said yoke in place and a check-strap horses consisting of a rigid, inflexible yoke secured to the upper end of said lever. 10 fitting over the horses nose and extending In testimony whereof I afliX my signature down on each side of his face above the bit, in presence of two Witnesses.

a U -shaped lever pivoted to said yoke by each FREDERIO A. CLARK. of its arms, the lower ends of said arms being Vitnesses: connected bya latch passing under the horses S. XV. BATES,

chin, a supporting-strap for holding the up- E. DUDLEY FREEMAN. 

